Kuwait regulatory update: New ride-hailing framework and enhanced CCTV compliance requirements

Kuwait authorities have announced two notable regulatory developments affecting the transport and compliance sectors.

1. New regulatory framework for ride-hailing platforms

The Ministry of Interior has introduced a new comprehensive framework under Decision No. 893/2026 governing passenger transport services operated through electronic applications. The new rules establish licensing, operational, driver eligibility, and vehicle requirements for ride-hailing platforms and their users, cancelling and effectively replacing the older framework under Decision No. 724/2020. The decision came into effect on the date of its publication in the official Gazette, on 5 July 2026.

Key measures include:

• Vehicles limited to a maximum service life of seven years from date of manufacture.
• Mandatory installation of in-vehicle surveillance cameras inside passenger transport vehicles, with recordings required to be retained for a minimum of 120 days.
• Electronic record retention obligations for transport companies including driver information, trip details and vehicle information.

Article 3 outlines conditions and eligibility requirements for Kuwaiti citizens wanting to operate passenger transport services through electronic platforms, including:

• Minimum age of 21 years.
• Valid driving licence and traffic department permit.
• Clean criminal and traffic records.

Authorities have also been granted powers to monitor electronic transport platforms and suspend non-compliant applications. Existing operators have reportedly been given a transition period to meet the new requirements.

The reform of the old framework brings these electronic transportation platforms closer to the regulatory standards traditionally applied to transportation operators and creates more enforcement measures placing responsibility not only on drivers but also on platform operators.

2. CCTV compliance and record retention

Separately, the Ministry of Interior has reaffirmed requirements relating to surveillance camera systems in establishments covered by Kuwait’s security-camera regulations.

The announcement emphasizes:

• Continuous camera operation;
• Retention of recordings for a minimum of 120 days;
• Prohibition on altering or modifying recorded footage; and
• Compliance by facilities including retail centres, hotels, hospitals, banks, warehouses and other regulated premises.

The notice signals continued regulatory focus on data retention, security monitoring and evidentiary preservation.

Why it matters

These developments reflect Kuwait’s continuing move toward stronger regulatory oversight, enhanced digital monitoring requirements, and increased accountability across both the transport and commercial sectors. They also demonstrate a clear policy focus on improving public safety and passenger protection, particularly through stricter driver eligibility criteria, vehicle standards, surveillance requirements, and record-retention obligations.